Obtaining a medical marijuana card is a must for some people. Fourteen states in the United States have already legalized marijuana for medical use. However, obtaining card has proved to be a challenge for many people.

When you’re trying to obtain a medical marijuana certification, you will face innumerable challenges. However, it can be done when you have the facts you need and know the laws surrounding getting a recommendation. The idea of legalizing marijuana for medical purposes has been a hot button issue for decades. And now, the passage of legislation has legalized medical marijuana in 14 American states.

Is it Legal for Me to Get a Medical Marijuana Card?

The hurdle for most people trying to obtain a medical marijuana license is figuring out how to get it legally and under the right circumstances. Before you try to obtain a card, it helps to know which states will let you use it.

Medical marijuana is now legal in fourteen states as well as the District of Columbia. Some states have very limited laws that simply protect from legal prosecution if you are discovered to have marijuana for medical purposes, such as Maryland, while other states allow large numbers of dispensaries to sell medical marijuana to anyone who obtains a recommendation from a licensed physician. Having a medical marijuana card is the proof that you have a prescription given by a doctor. Specialists are available in the states where medical marijuana is legal, and a visit to a doctor can help you to answer any questions you have about legal marijuana use for medical conditions.

If you live in Alaska, California, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Washington State and Massachusetts, it may be legal for you to obtain a medical marijuana license. In most of these states you can even see a medical marijuana doctor for your prescription, ensuring that you can talk to someone who understands the effects of medical marijuana on all types of diseases and symptoms.

Medical marijuana doctors are the best qualified to determine whether or not a medical marijuana card will help to relieve your symptoms. Once you have a medical marijuana card, you can legally use medical marijuana as long as you do not break any other laws. In most states, the sale of marijuana for non-medical uses is still illegal, as well as driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. You may be eligible to use a medical marijuana card, but you still must use the marijuana responsibly.

Medical Marijuana Card

Using medical marijuana legally does depend on having a recommendation from your doctor. In most states that allow marijuana use for medical purposes, it is still possible to obtain marijuana illegally, even if you will use it for medical purposes. Be sure to purchase medical marijuana from a legal dispensary, or find out from your doctor where you can legally obtain marijuana using your certification. And because the laws are state to state, simply having a medical marijuana prescription in one state does not mean you are automatically free from the laws of other states. Do not travel to states where marijuana is illegal with medical marijuana. The state laws may not protect your from prosecution under local law.

Do I Have to go to a Medical Marijuana Doctor to consume cannabis legally?

While in many states the use of medical marijuana is now legal, the procedure for obtaining a legal prescription and obtaining medical marijuana legally can be complicated. Many states require that you get a state issued card for marijuana as part of your prescription, in an effort to ensure that the user of the prescription is actually the one purchasing the medical marijuana. The fact is, you can get a medical marijuana certification from your general practitioner, or any doctor who can write prescriptions. However, cannabis doctors have much more experience with the diseases and symptoms which respond to marijuana.

Medical marijuana physicians are specialists, not in any particular disease, but in the effectiveness of the treatment. A medical marijuana doctor has probably talked to other people who are suffering from the same symptoms as you are, and they can tell you whether or not medical marijuana is likely to relieve your symptoms. Just like other prescription drugs, medical cannabis can have a different effect on different patients, and a cannabinoid doctor is best prepared to deal with your concerns and reaction to medical marijuana.

These M.D.’s will also be able to tell you where and how to use your medical marijuana card. Dispensaries are common in some parts of the country, but in other states it is harder to obtain medical marijuana, even though it is legal. A doctor for medical marijuana can make sure that you know everything you need to know about the effect of marijuana on your symptoms, as well as how to get the type of medication that will be best for you. For patients with certain diseases, smoking medical marijuana is a very bad idea. Medical marijuana can be very effective for reducing and relieving the side effects of chemotherapy, however if you are having chemotherapy for lung cancer, smoking marijuana is a bad idea. You can also buy medical marijuana in food form, and a licensed professional will know where you can legally purchase medical marijuana foods.

Your regular doctor may be able to answer your questions, too, but if not, see a specialist today . If you have questions about the process of obtaining cannabis legally, or if you are simply curious to know whether medical marijuana will be effective for your disease or symptoms, a medical marijuana doctor is your best option.

Obtaining a medical marijuana card

Some conditions, such as depression, can be hard to obtain medical marijuana for. That is why you should talk candidly with your doctor about your conditions to see what will help your condition. Your doctor will be able to assess the pros and cons of having a card to treat preexisting conditions.

A doctor will also help you examine the laws surrounding medical marijuana in states where it is legal. ID cards issued by the state will indicate that you are eligible for medical marijuana as a treatment option.

Medical Marijuana Patient Identification Card

Can I Use My Medical Marijuana Card in Other States?

ID cards for cannabis are popular in a number of states where marijuana is legal for medical uses. A card allows law enforcement to ensure that the person buying the medical marijuana does in fact have the prescription. For many people, getting a recommendation for cannabis seems like a risk, but the truth is that because of HIPPA, your doctor cannot legally share your medical information with anyone. This doesn’t mean that you will be protected if you cross into a state where medical marijuana is not legal. However, there are states that border each other where the use of medical marijuana is also legal, and many people have questions about crossing those borders.

Before you go anywhere with marijuana, be sure to be familiar with the laws about medical marijuana use. Even if medical cannabis is legal, driving a car under the influence of marijuana is still illegal. Possession of medical marijuana may be legal in one state, even if your prescription is from another state. As long as you can show that you have a legal right to use marijuana for medical purposes, possession and use may still be protected under the laws of multiple states. However, you may or may not be able to purchase cannabis in a different state from where you have a prescription.

Keep in mind that a medical marijuana card is for use in the state where they are obtained. You may find dispensaries that will accept a doctor’s recommendation from out of state, but be vary wary about your purchase. The best way to know whether or not you can legally purchase medical marijuana in another state is to talk to a licensed attorney. They will be familiar with the laws surrounding medical marijuana use in your state. They will also probably have some familiarity with the laws of neighboring states that allow the use of medical cannabis.

Each state has its own laws surrounding the use of medical cannabis. Make sure to check with a doctor, either in your state or a state your travel to, to see what is legal and what is not. By staying informed, you can rest assured knowing where you can legally use marijuana.

The conditions

However, there is a process you must follow to obtain a state issued card. Once you’ve talked to your doctor, you will need to get a letter of recommendation and submit an application to the state. You will also need to pay state fees and get approved. Then, you will receive your card for medical marijuana by mail. You can also apply for a card online.

Medical Marijuana Card

Conclusion

If you’re one of the many people who needs cannabis for your medical condition, do your research, and talk to your doctor. The process is long and arduous, no doubt. But finding treatment for your condition is entirely possible when you have a card.

Medical Marijuana Card

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Medical Marijuana FAQ

How do I setup an appointment to see a doctor at your clinic?

Setting up an appointment is easy! Give us a call at 888-MY-420-MD or email us through the contact us section.

Do I need to be referred to your clinic by another physician?

Absolutely not! Our physicians can and will evaluate anyone who feels that they can benefit from medical cannabis.

Can you tell me the process of getting a cannabis evaluation?

When you arrive at our office, you will be asked to fill-out a medical history form along with some additional documents and disclosures. Patients must have on their person a valid state-issued ID or driver’s license with them to establish proof of residency. If they do not have an ID or driver’s license, a utility bill, lease, or bank statement will be sufficient to establish proof of residency. Then, your blood pressure will be taken by our medical assistants on staff and you will be escorted to a private room for your consultation with our physician. The interview usually lasts about 10 minutes. After the interview is completed you will be given your recommendation and the packet to mail off to the state to get your official medical marijuana card. That’s all there is to it!

What do I need to bring to my visit?

Please bring in your Driver’s license or state ID card showing that you are a resident of the state. Patients are strongly encouraged to bring in medical records or old prescription bottles with their name on them. In some cases, exceptions can be made for patients who do not have access to or have lost their documentation.

Do I have to pay the evaluation fee if I do not receive a marijuana recommendation?

No. If the physician does not approve you, you do not have to pay any fees. In other words, you only pay the evaluation fee if you are approved.

Do I have to be at least 18 to be a patient?

No, as long as the legal guardian signs a waiver for the minor, someone who is under 18 may still be eligible to become a patient.

Will there be any privacy issues with respect to having a state–issued medical marijuana card?

No. Your doctor’s visit is protected under the privacy laws of HIPPA and thus nobody will know that you are a patient but you (or anyone you show your ID to!)